Never Give In, Never Give Up

By John Di Rienzo and Carlana Stone Lawson

A beautiful, successful and privileged seventeen-year-old, Carlana Stone Lawson had it all: she was a gymnast, cheerleader and president of her class. In a moment of bad judgment, she got into a car with some friends in Dallas, Texas, after a night of drinking. A terrible accident occurred, and everyone walked away unscathed except for Carlana, who never walked again.

This is Carlana's story of how she dealt with and overcame adversity. In the telling of it, she also shows how adversity can be successfully conquered in many areas, including divorce, loss of job and livelihood, survival of abuse, losing a loved one, devastating midlife crisis and battling breast cancer.

Today, Carlana, though wheelchair-bound, skydives, skis, and at thirty-four, has married the man of her dreams. This book will make you weep, laugh and, above all, inspire you.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1402205783
• ISBN13: 9781402205781
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Sourcebooks
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Biography / Self-help

I'm a recent college grad, and believe that I am going through the stage called the "Quarterlife Crisis." I'm trying to find myself, and make sense of what is happening with me, and around me during these first few years of my twenties. I saw this book while I was vacationing in Anchorage, Alaska, and I flipped through it because the title of the book caught my eye. This book is not only about Carlana's struggle with her disability, but I especially like the self-help exercises that she included after each chapter. They make you examine your life, and realize that you cannot stop living no matter how tough life can be. Although this book has some grammatical errors and omitted words, Carlana's overall message is helping me to understand that I need to keep going, and to accept the challenges that life brings.

Got me from the start

Carlana's story got me from the start. It's not just her story but the story of all of us. Anyone that has ever struggled to get their life back on track after a blow will get something out of this book. I related to it and also was inspired by her stamina. The story is engrossing and reads like a novel. It's also got some great lessons for teenagers out there about the dangers of drinking and driving.

Empowering!

I couldn't put it down....read it in three days! I cried like a baby, and sighed with relief! This story reveals the strength of the human spirit, and how sometimes tragedy can beget something BEAUTIFUL!!! I honestly believe that had it not been for that tragic night in high school, Carlana Stone might not be the successful news anchor, program director, or producer she is today. She managed to use her misfortune to catapult her to greatness. She is an inspiration to us all!

Couldn't put it down

This book is a must-read for everyone. Each of us will, at some point in our lives, be faced with adversity. This book provides a new perspective and the gift of hope and encouragement, and is so well written that I read the whole thing in one sitting, I couldn't put it down!! I especially like the chapters on Russia. This is also a great book for teens who might need to hear the message about the dangers of drinking and driving. I bought ten copies and gave them to friends and family memebers. A great read!!!!

filled my void

I enjoyed this book like none other. This is the most inspirational book I have ever come across. I cried in the first two chapters. After reading this book, I know that I can accomplish anything and I am so inspired by the life story and triumphs of her life. I am now ready to conquer anything. Typically, I would not take the time to make a review but I was so touched by this book that I had to let others know!